Rapid identification of plastics by mass spectrometry - using laser beam for local heating in inert atmos. and heated capillary for direct transfer

摘要

In rapid identification of plastics (I) by mass spectrometry, (a) the (I) under test is heated locally to 600-800 deg.C under protective gas, using a laser ray; and (b) characteristic (I) degradation prods. are passed through a heated capillary into the mass spectrometer, where they are identified. The appts. used is also claimed. Appts. consists of a mass spectrometer (7) with a sampling head, comprising a sample tube (4) connected to an inert gas source (5). The tube contains a wavegide (2) for irradiating the sample surface with laser light and a heatable (8) suction capillary (6) connected to the mass spectrometer. USE/ADVANTAGE - Pyrolysis is carried out in situ and no sample prepn. is necessary, whilst the degradation prods. pass directly into the mass spectrometer. The process uses a readily available technique, gives very rapid results and can be carried out by relatively unskilled workers. It is esp. used for identifying plastics for recycling.